I have a thing for strategy games and I would never decline a chess match. Two very good premises to enjoy “Board Battlefield”, an action-strategy-hybrid by “Surrealscape Studios”. Am I going to add another 5-star rating to their Google Play Page? We’ll see.

First Blood

Pimp my Chessboard

For those of you, who think the traditional chess is a bit dusty and old-fashioned, you might enjoy this fresh approach here. Although “Board Battlefield” looks like chess (just look at the tiles or the starting positions of your units) and is somehow also played like chess (like the infantry, that can only move forward like pawns), there is so much more to it.

First of all, there’s more action. The units actually fight each other, so you can enjoy some cool shoot-outs and nice explosions. Secondly, the whole game is backed up with special abilities, achievements, leaderboards and customization options. I also like the fact, that you have to roll the dice for movement points, what makes the game a perfect mix of strategy and luck. And have I already mentioned the multiplayer mode? Very cool. And lastly, thanks to the perfectly embedded soundscape, “Board Battlefield” puts you in the right mood for a good fight. Well done!

Need 4 Variety

On the contrary, “Board Battlefield” could need a bit more variety, when it comes to the core gameplay. You only have three basic types of units (infantry, artillery and tanks), whereas even a classic chess board has got a wider range of units. Plus, looking at the flag, I was wondering, if it wouldn’t be great to have a few alternative game modes like – you might have guessed it – capture the flag or a protect the VIP mission. Lastly, the matchmaking system still struggles with finding an opponent. This is a very common problem with indie games (everyone has to start somewhere and new developers don’t have the opportunity to mobilize an existing community), but there’s a solution to that…

Counter-Strike

The Verdict

… play this game, guys! Fill the server and get ready for some action. No matter if you like chess or not, this game adds a nice twist to it. Download “Board Battlefield” here.

All pictures are in-game screenshots.